Blue Mountains Festivals and Events

Your Guide to Events & Festivals in the Blue Mountains

To help you plan your trip to the Blue Mountains we have listed festivals and events throughout the year.

To add a Blue Mountains Event or Festival please email admin@bookbluemountains.com.au

 

Winter Events 2013

Find out what to see and do in the Blue Mountains during the winter months of June, July and August 2013.

Blue Mountains Crossings Bicentenary 2013-2015

Saturday, 23  February was the official launch of the Blue Mountains Crossings Bicentenary 2013-2015 celebrations. There will be a three year program of events to celebrate and commemorate the first recognised European crossing of the Blue Mountains by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth in 1813.

Scenic World Sculpture Exhibition

24 April - 19 May 2013

Don't miss the second Sculpture at Scenic World exhibition. Sculptors will display their work in the Jurassic Valley at Scenic World in Katoomba. 

The sculptures will be newly created for this exhibition and cross genres and mediums, delivered in diverse dimensions, and provide thought-provoking narratives.

The Exhibition can be experienced on guided and independent tours, with opportunities to attend lectures and meet the makers at artist talks.

Great Train Weekend Festival, Mt Victoria

25-26 May 2013

Celebrate Mount Victoria's railway history during the Great Train Weekend festival. Ride on an historic train, enjoy food, music and entertainment for all the family.

Jazz & Wine Festival, Norman Lindsay Gallery

18 May 2013

The Jazz & Wine Festival is an annual event held at the Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum, Faulconbrige in the Blue Mountains.

Enjoy wines from throughout NSW and jazz performances.

Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum is located at 14 Norman Lindsay Crescent, Faulconbridge.

Winter Magic Festival - Katoomba

Saturday, 22 June 2013

When your feet touch the platform at Katoomba Station you'll hear it. As you walk up the steps that lead to Katoomba Street you'll see and feel it. In a moment you're part of the Blue Mountains biggest annual event, the Winter Magic Festival. Sitting atop the ancient mountain ridges of a World Heritage National Park is the idyllic location of Australia's largest community festival.

Blue Mountains - Yulefest

Annual Festival - July and August 2013

Every year between June and August the Blue Mountains enjoys Yulefest - when Christmas is celebrated in July. It began when a group of Irish men were staying at the Mountain Heritage Hotel in the 1980s. They were enjoying sitting around the warm log fire while snow was falling outside. They said to their host - "it feels like Christmas at home in Ireland". The host thought it would be a great idea to re-create a festive 'Winter Christmas' atmosphere for his Irish guests - with all the trimmings including falling snow, Christmas feasts of turkey, mince pies and plum puddings with brandy custard - all part of the Yulefest celebrations.

Blue Mountains Yulefest Lunch & Dinner Venues 2013

Book Yulefest accommodation

Daffodils at Rydal

7 & 8 September and 14 & 15 September 2013

Every year in September, the village of Rydal celebrates the arrival of Spring by opening local gardens and village attractions to the public. Thousands of daffodils are blooming!

Gardens are open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm. A $10 entry fee covers all gardens and musical events.

Start at the Information Centre near the railway station and follow the marked walking trail to see public gardens and historic buildings.

Download the Daffodils at Rydal brochure for more information.

Hazelbrook-Woodford Garden Festival

14 - 22 September 2013

The annual Hazelbrook and Woodford Garden Festival takes place over two weekends in September. Seven gardens open to the public from 10am to 4pm on each of those weekends.

There is also an open fuchsia garden and sale, and plenty of activities for children.

Leura Gardens Festival

Saturday 5 - Sunday 13 October 2013

During the Leura Gardens Festival, held every Spring, private gardens are open to the public to raise funds for Katoomba Hospital.

A festival ticket sales and information stand will be located at the top of the Leura Mall or buy tickets at each open garden.

Gardens open from 9:30am to 4:30pm daily.

Details of last year's Festival (2012)

Leura Village Fair

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 October 2013

Visit Leura Mall for this annual event. The Leura Mall comes alive with over 130 market stalls, art displays, live entertainment, fine food and coffee. See the beautiful cherry blossoms lining the centre of the Mall.

Saturday 9am-4.30pm, Sunday 9am-3.30pm.

Wild about Waratahs Festival, Mt Tomah

September - October 2013

Visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah for the Wild About Waratahs Festival. The festival features guided walks of the garden's waratah collection and children's waratah workshops.

If you don't have a car, there is a return bus service available one weekend from Katoomba to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.

Brew Mountains Beer & Cider Festival

October 2013

The Brew Mountains Beer & Cider Festival is held at the Fairmont Hotel in Leura each year. A number of beers are available for sampling.

Festival of Walking

5-13 October 2013

If you love walking then you won't want to miss the Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism Festival of Walking. There are a variety of walks during the 9-day festival throughout the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

The Festival is a celebration of the beauty of nature, the health and well being benefits of walking, acknowledgement of Aboriginal custodianship and culture and homage to the history, heritage and conservation of the Blue Mountains region. There are guided bushwalks, self-guided bushwalks or other walking trails such as a Coffee Trail, Shopping Trail or Katoomba Heritage & Arts Walk.

The Blue Mountains Film Festival - Katoomba

October 2013

The Blue Mountains Film Festival will be held over the weekend in mid-October at Scenic World against a stunning backdrop of the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley.

Oktoberfest - Carrington Hotel, Katoomba

Saturday, 26 October 2013

A family day at the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba - Germand bands, dancing, authentic German cuisine, Lowenbrau on tap, souvenir steins.

Join the fun from 11am to 9pm. Admission free.

Rhododendron Festival - Blackheath

2-3 November 2013

The highlights of this festival are:

  • Campbell Rhododendron Gardens open every day
  • Grand Parade - Clanwilliam Street
  • Retailers Window Displays - Blackheath CBD
  • Combined Churches Festival of Flowers, St Aidan's Anglican Church
  • Memorial Gardens Stall Holder Market

Oberon & Villages Spring Garden Festival

September - November 2013

Just beyond the Blue Mountains, Oberon and surrounding villages celebrate Spring with open gardens throughout the region. Mayfield Gardens is a highlight.

Glenbrook Spring Festival

November 2013

Street markets, rides, amusements for the children, local talent on show. Join in the fun, food and entertainment.

 

Everglades Vintage & Retro Weekend - Leura

November 2013

Step back in time to the 1930s and 40s - see fashion parades, vintage cars, play croquet, picnic in the gardens or enjoy a light meal or afternoon tea in Everglades' original Art Deco house. Enjoy music, games and children's activities. The Everglades Vintage & Retro Weekend is a wonderful outing for the whole family.

Carols in the Caves - Jenolan Caves

December 2013

Every year, Jenolan Caves presents ‘Carols in the Caves’ – its biggest annual event. Two spectacular concerts in the massive Grand Arch - feature well-known Christmas carols, performed by consummate singers, on stage and from rocky ledges far above. In the Blue Mountains Tourism Awards of Excellence, ‘Carols in the Caves’ won the ‘Festivals & Events’ award, for 3 consecutive years and finalists in the NSW Tourism Awards. It is an unforgettable experience for all ages, and supports a worthy cause - The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Jenolan Caves hosts many underground concerts throughout the year. Experience opera, classical guitar and more, in a truly unique setting. Book on 1300-76-33-11.